Little Rock Public Radio Staff Honored with Arkansas SPJ Diamond Journalism Awards

Little Rock Public Radio earned top honors at this year's Diamond Journalism Awards hosted by the Arkansas Society of Professional Journalists, securing first-place awards in all categories within the contest's radio/audio division.

Politics and Government Reporter Josie Lenora took home eight first prize awards for her work covering a wide swath of issues affecting central Arkansas residents. Reporter and local 'All Things Considered' Host Maggie Ryan took home a first prize for feature reporting, and News Director Daniel Breen shared a first prize in breaking news for his and Lenora's coverage of the March 31, 2023 Arkansas tornado outbreak.

"Clear, comprehensive and compelling coverage. You served your listeners well, in the wake of deadly tornado damage," the judge's comments read. "Well done!"

Lenora won first prize in general news for her report "Librarians fight book challenges in central Arkansas," with a judge commenting "excellent use of sound to convey the many facets of this very current issue, with a well-written script to weave the story together." Breen's story "Federal judge blocks country's first ban on gender affirming care for minors" and Lenora's report "For much of Arkansas, earthquake threat looms large" were finalists in the same category

In ongoing coverage, Lenora took home a first prize for her report "Rural Arkansas 'crypto mines' prompt noise complaints from residents." A judge commented "Fantastic job breaking down and explaining an abstract issue (crypto mining) and the real issues (noise, energy use) it's causing in communities. Excellent work, especially tracking down an impacted resident and droning nat sound of the mines in operation." Lenora and Breen's report "Efforts continue to get an Arkansas LEARNS repeal on the ballot" was a finalist in the same category.

Lenora won first prize in enterprise/explanatory reporting for her story "School choice detractors, advocates come to head over Arkansas education bill," with her report "A look inside the evolution of an Arkansas FOIA bill" also a finalist in the same category. Lenora also won first prize for investigative reporting for her report "Crawford County officials, residents debate LGBTQ books in library children's section."

"Josie Lenora's piece exemplifies everything this category stands for, and more: 'For reporting that demonstrates initiative, persistence and resourcefulness in pursuing information that is restricted, hidden or not readily available and is of public interest and significance,'" the judge's comments read. "Her dedication, research and tenacity in pursuing this story-about one community's handling of LGBTQ books in its public library-demonstrates Lenora's abilities as a skilled journalist."

Lenora also took home first prizes in arts and entertainment for her story "Maureen Corrigan on 'Fresh Air,' banned books and the art of criticism," in politics for "Arkansas drops AP African American Studies course," and in education for her story "Questions continue over Arkansas teacher pay." In that category, Lenora's report "Arkansas LEARNS: where are we now?" and the story "UAPB professor responds to claims of state underfunding" by All Things Considered Host/Reporter Maggie Ryan were finalists.

"A solid story that weaves many viewpoints together for a holistic look at the state's new school voucher program-and the confusion surrounding its implementation," the judge's comments read, adding "Kudos to all entrants for tackling the tough issues within education today."

Ryan took home first prize in feature reporting for her story "Activists push to remember lynching victims in Arkansas," with a judge commenting "Excellent interweaving of narration and sound to create a moving community story, shining a light on a nearly-forgotten victim of racial terror in Arkansas nearly 100 years ago."

"I am incredibly proud of our news team's recent achievements in winning multiple SPJ awards," said LRPR General Manager Jonathan Seaborn. "This recognition is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and commitment to delivering high-quality journalism to our community.

"Our reporters consistently go above and beyond to ensure that the stories we share are informative, accurate, and impactful. These awards highlight the excellence and passion that drive our newsroom every day. Congratulations to our entire team for this well-deserved honor."

The 2024 Arkansas SPJ Diamond Journalism Awards saw 538 entries in 82 categories, with SPJ members from Pennsylvania and Florida judging the competitions.

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